French naval ship berthed in Vietnam for friendship visit

HANOI, -- The French Navy’s amphibious assault ship Tonnerre, with about 200 cadets on board, arrived at Cam Ranh International Port in coastal central Khanh Hoa province on May 2 for a five-day visit.

The visit aims to increase cooperation between the armed forces and navies of the two countries.

The 21,500-tonne vessel, one of the French Navy’s biggest, is 200 metre in length, 32 metres in width and about 48 metres in height.

Vietnam and France have seen their bilateral relations, particularly in defence, growing stronger over the recent years.

This is the second time Tonnerre berthed at a Vietnamese port. It first visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2013 on the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties.

During the ship’s visit to Vietnam, its commanders will meet with the provincial authority, the Khanh Hoa Military Command, the 4th Naval Zone Command and the Vietnam Naval Academy.

Crew members of Tonnerre and officials of the 4th Naval Zone will conduct a joint military exercise which includes search and rescue operations.

The French Navy’s amphibious assault ship Tonnerre arrives at Cam Ranh International Port for a friendship visit.